A Taste Of South America

May 21, 2017

Story By: Yu Shing Ting |

For authentic Peruvian cuisine, which is rare in Hawaii, visit Mimi’s Place in Kakaako. The locally owned, family-run restaurant originated as a catering business eight years ago and developed into a popular pop-up eatery before opening at Waterfront Plaza last year.

“Peruvian food is fusion cuisine,” explains manager Katya Vera Rivasplata. “Through the years, we have a lot of Japanese, Chinese, Italian and French influences because they moved to Peru, bringing their culture with them, during World War I.

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“We eat rice every day and we eat bread every day,” she continues. “That’s why Peru is the best culinary destination in the world.”

Named after Katya’s mom, Mimi Rivasplata, who moved to Hawaii from Peru 22 years ago, the restaurant serves popular Peruvian dishes using ingredients imported from Peru. To get a taste of this cuisine, try Papa a la Huancaina and Arroz con Pollo Combo ($24), a pairing of traditional Peruvian potatoes in a creamy sauce and authentic chicken and rice.

Additionally, Mimi’s still caters, and can be reserved for private parties.

TRY SOMETHING NEW

The best way to try a little bit of everything at Peruvian hot spot Mimi’s Place is by ordering a combo dish, according to manager Katya Vera Rivasplata. She suggests Arroz con Mariscos (seafood rice) and Ceviche Mixto ($30), one such combo that makes for a seafood-lover’s dream dish. “The seafood rice (which has catch of the day, shrimp, scallop, opihi, mussel and tako) mixed with ceviche makes a lot of sense,” she explains. “We use lime juice in the ceviche, and people really like that combination.”